NFL experts predict a "lethal combination" as Justin Herbert’s elite arm talent meets an innovative offensive scheme designed to mask protection flaws and redefine Los Angeles' scoring potential.
The drum beat continues to get louder as we head toward training camp in the National Football League. The Los Angeles Chargers duo of quarterback Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has the makings of a truly lethal combination.
The two individuals are elite at what they do. Herbert is one of the more versatile passers in the league given how well he can throw off a variety of platforms and with multiple arm angles. McDaniel is one of the more innovative play callers in the game. In theory, it poses a matchup nightmare for defenses.
While we do not know how it will work for the Chargers in the upcoming season, several NFL insiders are looking ahead and projecting what could go right for the team. Here's what Chris Rolling of Los Angeles Chargers on SI shared about NFL experts' excitement about the brand-new duo in L.A.
"It’s compelling. While watching the presser, Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice wrote that 'McDaniel is going to be such an upgrade in every aspect for this offense. He even has shown the ability to craft an offense that can overcome OL deficiencies and injuries.'
Sam Monson, formerly of Pro Football Focus, added this: 'It is definitely worth considering that Mike McDaniel created the league's most potent offense for a time with Tua at the most important position...There's a world where access to Herbert's traits in his scheme's design is about to break the NFL.'
Hyperbole? Maybe. But McDaniel’s track record speaks for itself. And what he’s speaking in front of a mic right now meshes very well with what the Chargers and Herbert need to reach new heights.
The next step is seeing how it starts to unfold over the summer on the field of play, but the early returns say McDaniel is indeed worthy of the hype as a coach for Herbert."
Oregon Ducks former players (from left) Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Troy Dye (43) and quarterback Justin Herbert (10) pose after the game. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesThe phrases, "break the NFL," and "craft an offense to overcome OL deficiencies," are certainly what Chargers fans want to hear. An offense that can overcome a struggling pass protection is exactly what Los Angeles needed last year. They did not have it with the previous offensive coaching staff. They may have it now with McDaniel.
McDaniel's explosive offense did not translate to great playoff success in Miami, but he's only in charge of the offense now. We'll keep a close eye on how the offense develops this year.